We’re thrilled to announce that Bermans has been ranked in six practice areas in the latest edition of The Legal 500 (5 of these as a ‘Leading Firm!) – a testament to the outstanding work and dedication of our team.
Jonathan Berkson
When a customer or client fails to pay, it can disrupt cash flow and create unnecessary stress for your business. At Bermans, our Creditor Services team specialises in guiding businesses through the debt recovery process efficiently and professionally. Here’s a clear breakdown of the debt recovery lifecycle—and how we help you navigate each stage.
Continue ReadingNathan Hughes joined Bermans in 2022 and is a Solicitor in our Corporate team based in Manchester. We spoke to him recently to learn more about him and his work.
1.Can you give us a brief summary of your career so far?
I studied Law with Philosophy at the University of Liverpool and then went to law school in Christelon, Chester. I then trained with as small firm in Manchester. I had a brief break from Law before joining the Corporate Department at Bermans.
2. What area of the law do you specialise in and why?
All aspects of corporate law – share and asset sales and purchases, reorganisations, equity investments, articles and shareholder agreements – anything to do with ownership in companies or businesses. I’ll also support with commercial contracts and IP matters.
I fell into law, but the more experience I gain, the more interest and passion I have for the job. My role allows me to see the journey of our clients and the stories behind their business – which is very cool. I also enjoy the intellectual challenge and the chance to meet and collaborate with some really intelligent people.
3. Is there a case or a particular piece of work you were proud to be involved with, if so why?
The sale of KnownOrigins to Ebay was one of the first deals I worked on when I joined Bermans. It was a technical deal involving new and quite complex areas of law and regulation. It was a difficult deal and required a lot of work, but the end result was worth it. The clients were also a pleasure to work with.
eBay acquires Manchester NFT platform as Bentley announces its own drop | TheBusinessDesk.com
4. Away from the law what are your interests and passions?
Music – especially a sub-genre of electronic/house music called progressive house. I really enjoy going to live gigs and exploring new music. I’ve recently dusted off the ole guitar and I’m (trying) to learn Djing.
Exercise and Sports – I enjoy competitive sports and play a lot of squash, padel and football (I’m not very good). I’ve recently got into running (who hasn’t) and trail running. I try to go to the gym most nights – mainly a good excuse to eat lots of guilt free food.
Having grown up in North Wales, I also do enjoy a good hike up a big mountain!
Bullet Round
Sports & Teams Supported: Mainly just football in all honesty. Wrexham and Manchester United.
Films (Top 3): Only 3?! Troy, Heat and 50/50.
Music (3 tracks/albums to take on Desert Island):
Boxsets: Mad Men and Peep Show. I’ve probably rewatched each about five times.
Podcasts you listen to/recommend: I’m not a Podcast listener, I enjoy my music too much.
Meal: Steak….or pizza.
Holiday destination: The US – its so massive and diverse. Montana is a bucket list place to visit. I’m also a big LotR nerd, so New Zealand is definitely up there.
Favourite book: There’s a few; The Great Gatsby for its simple, yet beautiful prose, Material World by Ed Conway, a fantastically interesting book; and The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness.
3 people for a dinner party and why?
Carl Jung – I do love a chat about psychology. I find his concept of the collective unconscious captivating. Might need to take it easy on the whiskey for this one though.
Keanu Reeves – seems a very chill guy and doesn’t seem a typical celebrity.
David Mitchell – endlessly funny and I could talk about Peep Show for hours.
Get in touch with Nathan
E: nathan.hughes@bermans.co.uk
T: 0161 393 7124
Andrew Koffman
This is the latest in a series of articles on the “fixed recoverable costs” regime introduced in the civil courts in October 2023. The most recent articles before this one can be found here:
Continue ReadingAndrew Koffman
In an article in December 2023 we reported on the Court of Appeal’s decision which, for the first time, gave the courts the power to compel parties to mediate.
Court of Appeal backs compulsory alternative dispute resolution (ADR) | Bermans
There have been further developments since then. In October 2024, changes to the court rules (CPR) were made to give the court the specific power to order the parties to take part in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) such as mediation.
Continue Reading
Adrian Fryer
The UK’s employment landscape is undergoing a significant shift, with the proposed Employment Rights Bill introducing sweeping reforms that could redefine workplace rights and responsibilities. This article summarises 3 key updates every employer and employee should know.
Continue ReadingAdrian Fryer
The Employment Rights Bill makes major strides towards ending ‘fire and rehire’. That’s the strategy where an employer, unable to secure agreement to new contract terms, dismisses staff and then offers to rehire them on the revised terms (or hires new people on those terms instead).
Continue ReadingAdrian Fryer
Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) are legal contracts or provisions of legal contracts that place confidentiality requirements on another in respect of certain information, usually for something of value or payment. They are sometimes referred to as ‘gagging clauses’. In an employment context, they are often used to maintain the confidentiality of settlement terms (or the events leading up to such terms being agreed). The use of NDAs has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years, with the #MeToo movement and high-profile examples (such as Mohamed Al Fayed and Harrods) of them being used to cover-up misconduct. With their use being restricted in new areas with effect from 1st October 2025, we summarise the current legal position regarding NDAs, and where it is headed.
Continue ReadingAdrian Fryer
Acts of harassment are generally committed by individuals, not corporate entities. How is it, then, that businesses can be liable for the harassing acts of their employees? The answer lies in the concept of ‘vicarious liability’. Through the concept of vicarious liability, businesses are held liable for any acts of harassment by employees committed ‘in the course of employment’.
Continue ReadingAdrian Fryer
In the recent employment tribunal case of Kalina v Digitas LBI Ltd, two applicants were interviewed for a role. Both were found, following a competency-based assessment, to be appointable. The successful candidate was chosen, in large part, because she was considered to be the ‘best fit’ for the team. The interviewer noted that she had ‘vibed’ with her at interview. The unsuccessful candidate alleged that this way of choosing which person to appoint was discriminatory on grounds of race and disability. Allegations included:
Continue Reading
| 
